Woman, 74, Seriously Injured in Dog Attack

GEORGETOWN, Del. - A 74-year-old woman from the Georgetown area lost her left arm this week after she was attacked by a dog belonging to her relatives, family said.

The victim is Patricia Murphy, said her daughter, Debbie Kline.

Murphy also suffered injuries to her right arm and face after she was mauled Monday afternoon by a 6-year-old pit bull named Hunter, Kline said. Murphy lost her left arm around the elbow area, her family said.

Kline said she kept the dog in a separate room at their Georgetown-area home while her mother was visiting. Kline then released the dog when she thought her mother had left the house. Turns out, Murphy had returned to the house and was attacked.

Kline said she attempted to subdue the pit bull but was unable. A neighbor said he heard someone frantically scream "get the dog off me" several times and called 911.

As responding troopers arrived on the scene, they said the pit bull - which had not stopped its attack on the victim - became aggressive toward them, and had to be put down. Its body was turned over to the SPCA.

Neighbor Josh Embry said the dog was aggressive, especially towards other dogs. Kline said the dog had some history of aggression towards small animals but she did not recall the dog attacking any people.

First responders airlifted Murphy to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes and later to Christiana Hospital, police said.

Murphy is expected to survive but family members have not had the chance to speak with her because of the treatment, Kline said.

A blue blanket covers blood stains on the carpet throughout Kline's house. A sign that read "guard dog on duty" was posted on a side door.

The incident appears to be an honest mistake and charges will not likely be filed, Delaware State Police Spokesman Cpl. Jeffrey Hale said.

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